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Winemaker Notes

100% Malbec hand-picked from 4 distinct estate single vineyards in Mendoza: Alizarine Vineyard and Serenade Vineyard in Lujan de Cuyo, and Albaneve Vineyard and Temis Vineyard from the Valle de Uco area.

Alta Vista has long been a pioneer in developing terroir expression. They were the first winery in Argentina to produce and compare single vineyard wines coming exclusively from unique and different Malbec vines all planted in 2001.

Deep violet in color with aromas of spice, ripe fruit and animal notes. Rich and full-bodied on the palate with an elegant presence, soft tannins and a long finish.

Critical Acclaim

Alta Vista

Founded in 1997 and owned by the d'Aulan family, former owners of the Piper-Heidsieck Champagne house, Alta Vista is guided by the philosophy of expressing the best terroirs of Argentina and highlighting the typical Argentine varieties: Malbec and Torrontes. The winemaking team's system of terroir management led Alta Vista to produce the very first single-vineyard Malbecs in Argentina. Alta Vista has gained the respect of other wine professionals both in Argentina and in other wine-producing countries on the basis of the quality of its wines, which have been internationally classified as being among Argentina's finest.

Argentina

Stretching from the Andes to Patagonia, Argentina's unique terroir lends to high quality wines. Formerly associated with inexpensive bulk wine but dramatically shifting focus from quantity to quality, Argentina is the most important wine-producing country in South America. Certainly excellent values abound here still, but increases in vineyard investment, improved winery technology, and a commitment to innovation since the late 20th century have contributed to the country’s burgeoning image as a producer of great wines at all price points. The climate here is diverse but generally continental and agreeable, with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters—a positive, as snow melt from the Andes Mountains can be used to irrigate vineyards. Grapes very rarely have any difficulty achieving full ripeness.

Mendoza, a large and famous region responsible for more than 70% of Argentina’s wine production, is further divided into several sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Red wines dominate here, especially Malbec, the country’s star variety, while Chardonnay is the most successful white. The province of San Juan is best known for blends of Bonarda and Syrah. Torrontés is a specialty of the La Rioja and Salta regions, the latter of which is also responsible for excellent Malbecs grown at very high elevation.

Malbec

Known for its big, bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec is most famous for its runaway success in Argentina. However, the variety actually originates in Bordeaux, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends but was susceptible to viticultural problems. After being nearly wiped out by a devastating frost in 1956, it was never significantly replanted, although it did flourish under the name Côt in nearby Cahors. Malbec was brought to Argentina in 1868 by a French agronomist who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, but did not gain its current reputation as the national grape of Argentina until a surge in popularity in the late 20th century thanks to its easy-going drinkability.

In the Glass

Malbec typically expresses deep flavors of freshly turned earth, black fruits from berries to plums, and licorice, appropriately backed by dense, chewy tannins. In warmer, New World regions, such as Mendoza, it can be quite intense and often needs time to mellow before becoming drinkable. In the Old World, its rusticity shines, with aged examples showing dusty notes of leather and tobacco. The best examples in all regions often possess a beguiling bouquet of violets.

Perfect Parings

Malbec’s rustic character begs for flavorful dishes, like spicy grilled sausages or the classic cassoulet of France’s Southwest. South American iterations are best enjoyed as they would be in Argentina: with a thick, juicy steak.

Sommelier Secret

If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet. With its combination of bold flavors and soft tannins, it will appeal to basically anyone who enjoys red wine. Malbec also wins bonus points for affordability, as even the most inexpensive examples are often quite good.